THREE American citizens convicted in connection with a failed 2023 coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been handed over to US authorities following the commutation of their sentences, officials confirmed Tuesday. The development follows high-level diplomatic talks between Washington and Kinshasa, Reuters reported.
According to a statement from the Congolese presidency, the transfer of custody was finalised after US President Donald Trump’s senior Africa adviser, Massad Boulos, travelled to Congo for direct talks with President Felix Tshisekedi. The Congolese government said the move reflects deepening cooperation between the two nations on security and investment.
From coup plot to prisoner release
The three Americans were among 37 individuals sentenced by a military court last September after being convicted of participating in a failed coup led by Christian Malanga, a U.S.-based Congolese opposition figure. Among those arrested was Malanga’s 22-year-old son, who, during the trial, claimed his father had threatened to kill him and a high school friend if they refused to follow orders.
Congo commuted their death sentences last week, paving the way for repatriation. The US State Department acknowledged the transfer, stating that returning American citizens remains a top priority for the administration. A White House spokesperson declined to comment.
Tina Salama, spokesperson for President Tshisekedi, said the handover highlights strengthening bilateral ties. ‘This shows that the collaboration and cooperation between the two states is growing stronger and stronger,’ she said.
Minerals and security deals in play
The prisoner release comes amid increasing US interest in the DRC’s rich deposits of critical minerals such as cobalt and lithium—key inputs for electric vehicles and tech devices. These resources have been largely dominated by Chinese firms, prompting Washington to explore new avenues for partnership with Kinshasa.
Congo has pitched a minerals-for-security deal to the US, and the State Department confirmed last month it is open to exploring such partnerships. No concrete details have been released, but one former U.S. defence official suggested that options could include sending military advisors or contractors to train Congolese forces.
The need for foreign security support is growing more urgent as the eastern DRC faces renewed violence, with Rwandan-backed M23 rebels advancing and taking control of key cities earlier this year.
Broader context of instability
The Democratic Republic of Congo remains one of the most volatile nations in the region. With over 100 armed groups operating in the east, the threat of further destabilisation looms large. The government hopes deeper engagement with the U.S. will help stabilise the region while also offering new economic opportunities through joint mining ventures.
The Congolese presidency has also agreed to compensate for damages caused by earlier protests that targeted the US embassy and other foreign missions during periods of political unrest.
While Washington has yet to clarify the full extent of its potential security involvement, officials stress that any engagement must prioritise human rights and long-term regional stability.
